An Infotrak poll has revealed that 65 per cent of Kenyans think that the country is not doing enough to recognise its heroes and heroines.

In the poll conducted between September 27-28, 2024, the report indicated that a significant majority of the respondents in the eight regions of the country were unimpressed with the government’s efforts to honour the nation’s heroes and heroines.

However, respondents in Nairobi registered a higher acknowledgement that the nation’s heroes and heroines were getting their recognition.

Nairobi on national heroes

While 35 per cent of the respondents said the heroes were honoured appropriately, 42 per cent of Nairobi region respondents said the heroes were well recognised.

The coastal region recorded the lowest rating for recognition of Kenyan heroes at 25 per cent, followed by the Central region at 28 per cent.

North Eastern, however, recorded the highest rating at 45 per cent, acknowledging that the state was indeed recognising its heroes.

In the age group between 18 and 26, 63 per cent of the respondents denied that the government was doing enough to recognise heroes, while 37 per cent said that the state was recognising its heroes.

People over the age of 55 recorded a rating of over 70 per cent noting that the government was not recognising its heroes well, while only 30 per cent believed otherwise.

In the poll, the youthful population known as the Gen Zs were recognised as heroes by 23 per cent of the respondents.

Nation’s heroes

Other people who were identified as the nation’s heroes were former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at 18 per cent, female athlete Faith Kipyegon at 11 per cent and President William Ruto at 8 per cent.

Others on the list were impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Morara Kebaso, Eliud Kipchoge, Kithure Kindiki, and Okiya Omtata.

The others are Eric Omondi, Gladys Wanga, Irungu Kang’ata, Richard Onyonka, Martha Karua, Edwin Sifuna, Kasmuel McOure, Jimi Wanjigi, and Kenyan athletes.